What is the best flooring for kitchens?

Melissa GreinerUpdated July 19, 2017

With its constant foot traffic and inevitable spills, the kitchen floor takes a beating. Stay a step ahead by choosing the right material for it.

Function

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and so it's not surprising that the kitchen floor gets the most use. When shopping for a new flooring material, keep in mind a few things. The number of cooks are in your kitchen will determine how durable a finish you need. Their level of cleanliness will help narrow down porous options. The style of your kitchen is decorated in will dictate your colours and patterns.

Types

Flooring options are endless, but a few categories tend to do best in kitchens. Affordable and easy to install, vinyl is a popular option. Vinyl floors can come in long sheets (linoleum) or pre-cut squares that resemble tile. Tile itself is another great option. From classic porcelain to classy travertine, there are plenty of styles to choose from. If your kitchen is open concept, another idea is hardwood. Using hardwood in both your kitchen and living room can unify the space and encourage better flow.

Features

No matter what flooring option you are drawn to, there are a few key rules to keep in mind. Make sure the material is non-porous so that a simple marinara sauce spill doesn't end up becoming a permanent stain. If you spend a lot of time at the stove, consider an option with give, or with a padded bottom layer which will be easier on your knees.

Considerations

You may also want to work in some personal style when choosing a floor. If you, like many, have started going green, consider a eco-friendly floor. Cork and bamboo are two modern, beautiful options that also are sustainable.

Potential

Before purchasing, make sure your flooring choice is compatible with the way you use your kitchen and the style of your home. With the right material, colour and pattern in place, your kitchen floor will shine as bright as your award-winning dishes.

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About the Author

Melissa Greiner is a Philadelphia-based freelance writer and editor with more than six years experience in both journalism and marketing/communications. Focusing on food and wine, health, and home and garden articles, Greiner has been published in a number of magazines, newspapers, and websites, including Philadelphia STYLE, Main Line Today, and Citysearch.com. Greiner is a graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism.